Description
Loaded Cheese Fries are a deliciously indulgent appetizer or side dish featuring crispy baked fries smothered in melted cheddar cheese, savory bacon crumbles, green onions, and optional brown gravy and sour cream toppings for extra richness.
Ingredients
Scale
Fries
- 32 ounces frozen french fries (or 8 cups homemade french fries)
Toppings
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 tablespoons cooked and crumbled bacon (or real bacon bits)
- 1 cup brown gravy (homemade or packet, optional)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 green onions (thinly sliced)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). If using an air fryer, follow the air fryer cooking instructions provided in the notes.
- Cook Fries: Spread the fries evenly on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through at 15 minutes, until extra crisp.
- Broil Setup: Once fries are crispy, remove the baking sheet from the oven and switch the oven setting to broil at 500°F (260°C).
- Add Toppings & Melt Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon evenly over the fries, then return the baking sheet to the oven for 1-3 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted.
- Finish & Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with thinly sliced green onions. If desired, drizzle the brown gravy over the fries and top with sour cream. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For air fryer cooking: Arrange fries in a single layer and cook at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through until crispy.
- You can prepare homemade fries by cutting potatoes into sticks, tossing with a little oil and seasoning, then baking until crispy.
- Brown gravy and sour cream are optional but add great flavor and creaminess to the loaded fries.
- Use cooked bacon or bacon bits for convenience.
- Ensure the fries are extra crispy before adding cheese to avoid soggy loaded fries.
